Today we'd like to discuss a term that describes two related species or populations that exist in the same area: sympatry. Sympatry can refer to almost any kind of species or populations, but for this discussion we will focus on examples that include birds.

Species that are sympatric live in the same habitat, encounter each other frequently, and may share breeding or feeding locations. Interbreeding between species may occur.

Three species of flamingo in South America are sympatric. The Andean Flamingo, Chilean Flamingo, and James's Flamingo can all be found across a similar range and are known to share nesting sites.

Sympatric species do not necessarily share resources in this mutually beneficial way. The Great Spotted Cuckoo and its parasitic host species the Eurasian Magie are also considered to be sympatric. Cuckoos are brood parasites to their neighbors the magpies.

Sympatry is one of four terms used to describe how species (or populations) relate to each other. Species that exist in adjacent locations are parapatric. Species that are separated can be either peripatric or allopatric.

The Red-billed Blue-Magpie, scientifically known as Urocissa erythroryncha, is a beautiful member of the corvid family. These striking birds are primarily found in various parts of Asia, where their vibrant plumage and distinctive features make them a true marvel of nature.

One of the most remarkable characteristics of the Red-billed Blue-Magpie is its extraordinarily long tail, which stands out as one of the lengthiest among all corvid species. This impressive tail adds to their overall elegance and sets them apart from their avian relatives.

The plumage of these magpies is a captivating blend of dark blue, black, and white. Their striking appearance, characterized by contrasting colors, ensures that they are easily distinguishable in their habitat. The bright red-orange bill provides a stark contrast to their predominantly dark plumage, making it a standout feature.

Red-billed Blue-Magpies are known for their social nature and are often observed in the company of their peers. These birds form small feeding flocks, typically consisting of 6-8 individuals. Their gregarious behavior allows them to forage more effectively and increases their chances of locating food sources.

The Red-billed Blue-Magpie's natural habitat includes a range of wooded environments, from lush forests to wooded hillsides. They can be found in various regions across Asia, where they thrive in the diverse landscapes provided by the continent.

Tomorrow we’ll add a species of swallow found in open habitat in South America. This cutie is named after the color of its rump! Can you guess the species from this cheeky clue?

Today, March 14, is traditionally celebrated as Pi Day -- because when the date is written 3/14, it represents the first three significant numbers of Pi. Pie day may be celebrated by eating pie, but since we like birds, today seems like a good day to celebrate the family of birds that has pie right in the name: Magpies!

There are three groups of true magpies. The four species of magpie in the genus Pica are the Holarctic, or black-and-white, magpies. The nine species of Oriental magpie are generally blue-green and are in the Urocissa genus and the Cissa genus. The azure-winged magpie belongs in the genus Cyanopica. Here are some fun facts about this group of intelligent and curious birds.

• Magpies belong to the Corvid family, which makes them closely related to birds like jays, crows, and ravens.
• The cartoon characters Heckle and Jeckle are a pair of magpies.
• There are several collective nouns used to describe a group of magpies, including "a gulp of magpies" and "a mischief of magpies."
• Magpies aren't the only birds with "pie" in their name. Another group in the Corvid family is the treepies. One bird in this group has a confusing name: the Black Magpie of Asia.
• Another bird with a confusing name is the Australian Magpie. This species isn't a magpie at all! Although its black-and-white plumage is very magpie-like, this species belongs in a different genus and is closely related to the Butcherbirds of Australasia.
• A recent taxonomical split may have added a new species of magpie to the list. The Azure-winged Magpie has an usual fragmented range with part of the population in southwestern Europe and part over in eastern Asia. Some ornithologists consider the two populations to be separate species, naming the European bird the Iberian Magpie.
• The Javan Green Magpie is the most endangered species of magpie. Endemic to Indonesia, it is considered to be Critically Endangered by the IUCN. Other endemic species of magpie include the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, found only in Sri Lanka, and the Yellow-billed Magpie, found only in the U.S. state of California.

This Saturday, March 14th, is Pi Day! This year Pi Day has an extra significance on 3/14/15 at 9:26:53 a.m. and p.m., with the date and time representing the first 10 digits of the digit π. This only happens every one hundred years, so celebrate this very special Pi Day in style with this cute coloring page from Birdorable. A Black-billed Magpie (or Eurasian Magpie, it's your pick) is sitting on a large π symbol. It's your job to color the bird and Pi however you like, but if you want some hints you can have a look at the profile pages for each bird. If you can't get enough you can find dozens of other Birdorable coloring and activity pages in our Downloads section. Have fun and enjoy 3/14/15!

We're adding a new bird each day until we reach our 500th Birdorable species! Today's Bonanza bird is the Australian Magpie.

Australian Magpies are not closely related to the magpies found in Europe or the Americas. When European naturalists came to settle in Australia, they noted the plumage of the new Australian species was similar to the Eurasian Magpie. They named the bird after their old familiar. Did you know that the American Robin was named in the same fashion? It is not related to the European Robin, but both species share a brownish plumage with a rich reddish-orange breast.

Australian Magpie by Lip Kee (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Australian Magpies are conspicuous and common within their range. They are omnivorous and are well-adapted to a variety of habitat types. They enjoy popularity in Australia and are the mascot for several sports teams as well as the official emblem of the Government of South Australia. Although they are popular, during breeding season they can be a menace as they fiercely protect their nest site. They may swoop down on anyone they perceive as a threat to their territory. August to October is the peak season for magpie attacks, and both pedestrians and cyclists are deemed fair game.

Tomorrow's new species is a North American songbird with a buzzy song and blue wings.

Today, March 14th, is Pi Day, the day that mathematicians celebrate the number that is approximately 3.14159. Send your friends our funny Birdorable Mag PI with this comment graphic, Facebook Gift or eCard.

Scientists at the Goethe University in Frankfurt have been studying European Magpies to prove that these smart birds are not bird-brained. It is widely accepted that self-awareness is a prerequisite for the development of consciousness. Besides humans, there had already been evidence that bottlenose dolphins, other apes and elephants have the capability to be self aware. Now magpies can be added to the list. The researchers used a series of tests to determine if their hand-raised birds could recognize themselves in a mirror.

They placed yellow and red stickers on the birds in places where they could only be seen in a mirror. The magpies became focused on removing the stickers after seeing them in the mirror and tried to scratch them off with their claws and beaks. After removing the sticker they would stop this behavior. The researchers also found that the birds would ignore the stickers if they were placed where they could not see them in the mirror or when the stickers were black in color. Here's a short video of the magpie and the mirror:

Today is Pi Day. Not the sweet and delicious kind, but π as in the mathematical number "3.1415926...", hence it is celebrated on March 14th, or 3/14 on the American calendar. The first Pi Day was held at the San Francisco Exploratorium in 1988 with people marching around in circles and eating fruit pies. It is a fun holiday for mathematicians and it also happens to be Albert Einstein's birthday. Here are two Birdorable Pi designs for this occasion:

The Azure-winged Magpie, a member of the crow family, is an enchanting bird that captures the imagination with its striking coloration and intriguing geographical distribution. With the classic shape reminiscent of a European Magpie but displaying a more slender profile, these birds boast a blend of elegance and mystery that is hard to overlook. The black caps sitting atop their heads contrast beautifully with the vivid azure blue of their feathers, creating a visual spectacle that is both striking and serene.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Azure-winged Magpie is its highly unusual distribution. In Europe, this bird finds its home exclusively in the southwestern part of the Iberian Peninsula, a notably small area when considering the bird's overall global presence. However, what truly piques curiosity is the existence of another population of Azure-winged Magpies living more than 5,000 miles away in eastern Asia, spanning across China, Korea, Japan, and Mongolia. The vast distance separating these two populations presents a biological and historical puzzle that has intrigued scientists and bird enthusiasts alike.

The mystery of their separated populations has sparked various theories over the years. One possibility is that their range was once continuous, stretching from Europe to Asia, but was fragmented, perhaps by climatic changes such as an Ice Age. Another theory suggests human intervention, proposing that early explorers might have transported the birds from the Far East to Spain and Portugal. However, recent genetic analyses have provided fascinating insights, indicating that both populations indeed share a common ancient ancestor but were separated well before the age of European exploration in the Far East. This revelation adds a layer of deep historical mystery to the narrative of these birds, suggesting a separation that occurred thousands of years ago, for reasons still not entirely understood.

We're excited to announce that the Birdorable family has grown with the addition of two new magpies! Joining our beloved Black-billed Magpie and European Magpie, we now have the beautiful Azure-winged Magpie and the unique Yellow-billed Magpie.

The Yellow-billed Magpie is a member of the crow family, native exclusively to California's Central Valley. At first glance, it resembles the common Black-billed Magpie, but upon closer inspection, it reveals its own unique charm. This bird stands out with its striking yellow bill and a matching yellow streak below the eye, adding a dash of brightness to its appearance. The Yellow-billed Magpie's exclusivity to California makes it a special and significant species, representing the diverse avian life of the region.

On the other side of the world, the Azure-winged Magpie brings a touch of elegance with its sleek and slightly smaller stature compared to the European Magpie. This bird is a true beauty, boasting a striking black cap contrasted with azure-blue wings and tail. What makes the Azure-winged Magpie particularly intriguing is its bi-continental distribution, found in two distinctly separate areas: the Iberian Peninsula and eastern Asia.

Our Birdorable versions of these magpies capture their essence in the cutest possible way. These adorable renditions highlight the unique features of each species, from the vibrant yellow accents of the Yellow-billed Magpie to the stunning blue plumage of the Azure-winged Magpie. They're not just a visual treat but also an opportunity to learn about and appreciate the diversity of the magpie family.